UAE theme parks draw $62bn investment

Dubai, August 18, 2008

More than 30 multi-faceted entertainment resorts and theme parks are being built in the UAE at a cost of Dh228 billion ($62 billion), a report said.

Announced the launch of the Middle East Attractions, Amusements, Parks, Leisure and Entertainment International Trade Exhibition (Meaaple), CMPi UAE said these resorts are expected to be ready by 2012.

Meaaple is scheduled to take place from February 2 - 4 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) to target this growing market.

Prominent theme parks currently under development in Abu Dhabi and Dubai include Warner Bros and Ferrari theme parks in the capital and Dubailand, a multi-billion dollar enclave of 24 theme parks, four and a half times the size of Manhattan, which will be the Middle East’s answer to Disneyworld. There will be Universal Studios’ Universal City and a Marvel Entertainment theme park among others.

“The UAE has shown a vision for global entertainment and multi-faceted theme parks along with their long-range potential for financial gain in an insatiable entertainment and travel market,” said Paul Grinnall, show director.

“With so much activity under way, there is an abundance of business opportunities and Meaaple has been created to enable international and local companies to develop contacts and deliver business in this key growth market,” Grinnall added.

Meaaple is an international trade event dedicated to the development, operation, management and maintenance of amusements, attractions, theme parks, tourism and resort developments, and leisure and entertainment facilities across the Middle East, he said.

It offers the opportunity to influence, network, educate and build relationships with major developers, investors, retailers, senior decision makers, operators, manufacturers and suppliers in the Middle East, said Grinnall.

The show will provide a unique platform to further enhance and support the vision for attractions, amusements, theme parks, tourism and resort developments, and leisure and entertainment growth in the Middle East.